Author's Note: Almost there guys... next chapter... you get to find out...what was in d'Artagnan's trunk...I promise... the last chapters are all humor and fluff really... Thanks as usual to Heather and Nicole. Meg

The Compte Charles d'Artagnan stood at the doors to the garrison. "Father," d'Artagnan said approaching with Jacqueline on his arm. It was silent for several seconds.

"It is a great pleasure to meet you, sir," Jacqueline said. She was wearing a dress of dark green color. Her dark curls were down around her face.

Charles d'Artagnan took a moment to look her over before he took her hand. "Milady, the pleasure is all mine," he said and then kissed her hand. Jacqueline turned to d'Artagnan and gave him a look. Suddenly, she understood where he got his 'charm' from, his father.

"Ah, little Edmund," a voice said from behind them. Jacqueline turned as Porthos grabbed d'Artagnan in a hug. Two other men appeared beside him and they grabbed d'Artagnan in a hug.

"Jacqueline, these are my father's good friends from his musketeer days." He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward Porthos. "Porthos, this is Jacqueline."

Porthos bowed to her. "Milady, I have heard much about you."

D'Artagnan turned to the next one. "Jacqueline, this is Aramis, and next to him is Athos." They both took off their hats in the old musketeer style saluting her.

Porthos turned to Jacqueline. "I hear you have quite the story."

Jacqueline felt her face flush and d'Artagnan laughed. "Yes, we met about the same way you met father. A sword fight."

The four men laughed. "Like father, like son," Athos said, raising his eyebrow.

D'Artagnan turned to the four men. "I must admit she is a good fighter." He gave Jacqueline a teasing smile. "Oh, our new Queen wishes to meet you all," d'Artagnan said, remembering the king's orders.

Charles d'Artagnan shrugged. "Alright, we will go to the palace first."

Aramis turned to Jacqueline. "What is the story behind you and d'Artagnan here?"

Jacqueline threw d'Artagnan an evil smile. "Well I had come to sign up for the musketeers disguised as a man, and there was this arrogant…"

King Louis and Queen Helen sat on their thrones, as the servant appeared to introduce the visitors. "Send them in," the king said. "Of course your majesty." The servant bowed and left the room. Aramis, Porthos, Athos, and Charles d'Artagnan entered and bowed to them. "Your majesty, I am d'Artagnan." He paused. "These are my good friends, also former musketeers, Aramis."

Aramis stepped forward. "An honor, your majesties."

Charles d'Artagnan continued. "This is Porthos."

Porthos now stepped forward. "Your majesties."

Charles d'Artagnan then nodded to Athos. "And finally this is Athos."

Athos was the last to step forward. "Your majesties, a great pleasure."

Queen Helen stood and walked toward them. She turned to Charles d'Artagnan first. "So, you are the great d'Artagnan. I have heard many stories." She turned to the other three. "About you all. I am grateful you took the time out to come before me." She nodded her head to them. She walked back to her throne as the horns blew.

"Her majesty, the Queen Mother Anne." A servant announced. Anne floated into the room with her long, velvet gown. "Athos." She inclined her head. "Aramis." She inclined her head again. "Porthos." She continued to incline her head. "D'Artagnan." She held out her hand to him and he took it and kissed it.

"My Queen," he said then bowed.

"A pleasure to see you again, your majesty." Porthos said as he taking off his hat.

Queen Anne smiled at them. "Thanks you for coming." She stopped and turned back to d'Artagnan. "My son is throwing a celebration in little d'Artagnan and his bride's honor. I hope we shall see you there." They all bowed again and she walked out.

King Louis stood. "I am sure you wish to spend time with your son. You are dismissed now."

They turned to leave the king and queen. "Thank you, your majesties," Charles d'Artagnan said. They left the room and once outside a servant approached Charles d'Artagnan with a note. "I will meet you back at the garrison." He told them and turned toward the hallway.

Queen Anne was waiting for him. "D'Artagnan," she said as she wrapped her arms around him.

"My queen, it has been a few years," he responded. She pressed her lips to his and he kissed her back. She pulled back. "I have missed you." D'Artagnan smiled at her. "As I you."

Anne turned back around. "It is dangerous to be seen together, you should leave now." He turned to leave and she grabbed his arm. "D'Artagnan, at the celebration, come to me." He inclined his head to her. "As you wish, my queen." He then walked out of the palace and to the garrison. He wanted to see his son alone.

D'Artagnan sat in Siroc's lab watching as his friend conducted yet another experiment. Charles d'Artagnan entered. "Son I would like a word."

D'Artagnan stood and nodded. "The courtyard is empty right now."

They walked in silence and when they reached the courtyard, Charles d'Artagnan turned to him. "This girl, she has no title or dowry?" D'Artagnan shook his head. Charles shook his head and went silent for several minutes thinking. "Son, is she with child?"

D'Artagnan looked at him shocked and did not answer immediately. "Yes, but I love her. I am not marrying her for that." He answered slowly.

Charles put a hand on his shoulder. "Did I ever tell you about your mother?"

D'Artagnan shrugged slightly. "You loved her and she was beautiful."

Charles shook his head. "Your mother was a commoner. A bar maid actually." D'Artagnan looked at his father suspiciously. Charles continued slowly as if remembering. "My father, your grandfather, threatened to cut off my inheritance if I married her. I refused to comply and though he did cut me off for a time, he grew to love your mother and reinherited me." He then turned to d'Artagnan who was quiet. "I will not make you choose, but I want to know you love her."

D'Artagnan swallowed and turned away. "I would choose her regardless."

Charles laughed. "As I would expect of my son." D'Artagnan faced his father again. "I am thinking of returning to live in France. Be near my family." D'Artagnan grabbed his father with tears in his eyes.